Following the release of Set The Timer/Uptight, the Maxi-Single on Sire/WB, the band switched labels moving to the more progressive Rough Trade in Europe and IRS/MCA in the states. Rouse was still fascinated with the seemingly endless uses of the Linn Drum machine (which he utilized on Broken Consort’s A Linclon Portrait as well as the groundbreaking Quorum two years before). Social Responsibility was met with some of the best press of the bands history and was on numerous Top Ten lists around the country. The release also saw the band embarking on a North American/Canadian tour supporting Adrian Belew and the Bears.